Top Kentucky Horse Attractions

Is there any better place for a horse lover or an equestrian than Kentucky? As someone who has ridden English and Western for more than 20 years, I truly believe there isn’t.

After all, the Bluegrass State holds what is arguably the world’s most famous horse race each May. Beyond the Derby, there are plenty of year-round Kentucky horse attractions worth checking out. Here are some of the top Kentucky horse attractions.

1. Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville: If you can’t make it to the actual race, a visit to this museum is the next best thing. The Kentucky Derby Museum houses over 20,000 materials and a number of permanent and temporary exhibits. It sits just outside Churchill Downs, so you can get a good look at one of America’s most famous thoroughbred racetracks while you’re there.

2. Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington: If you’re looking for a true horse extravaganza, look here. The 1,244-acre park features trail and pony rides, horse shows, working farm tours and special events. It’s also home to the International Museum of the Horse, the largest and most comprehensive museum in the world dedicated to horses.

3. Old Friends, Georgetown: This is where you can get close to some of the world’s finest former racing horses. Old Friends is a nonprofit organization that cares for more than 100 horses whose racing careers came to an end. They offer three tours a day.

4. Keeneland Race Course, Lexington: This beautiful course is a National Historic Landmark with races throughout the year. It’s also a thoroughbred auction house that has sold more champions than any other house. Consider checking out a race or taking the tour that’s offered all year long.

5. American Saddlebred Museum and Gift Shop, Lexington: The world’s largest collection of artifacts on the American Saddlebred breed resides at this Lexington museum. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, watch an award-winning theater show and do genealogical research on their horse(s). There’s also a gift shop filled with every kind of equine item you can think of.

6. The Thoroughbred Center, Lexington: Just outside of Lexington is the Thoroughbred Center, a massive training complex that’s home to more than 900 racing horses. Stop by to see the horses in training—or to take a behind-the-scenes tour.

7. The Red Mile Harness Track, Lexington: The Red Mile dates back to 1875, making it Lexington’s oldest race track. This is the place to see harness races (competitions in which horses pull jockeys in two-wheeled carts).

8. Horse farm tours, various locations: Many farms across the state will take visitors on guided tours of their operation. Contact visitor centers in the cities and towns you plan on visiting for more information.

Horses and Kentucky just go together. Beyond the famed Kentucky Derby each May, there are all kinds of other Kentucky horse attractions worth checking out./blog/top-kentucky-horse-attractionsErie Insurance